Finish PhaseStep 34 of 37

Update Countertop Accessories

New soap dispenser, utensil holder, cutting boards. Stick to 2-3 materials for a cohesive look: all stainless, all ceramic, or intentional mix.

Quick Summary

Time

Shopping + styling

Cost

$30-$150

Difficulty

Easy

Impact

High

The 2-3 Materials Rule

Random mismatched accessories make a kitchen look cluttered and chaotic. Choosing 2-3 complementary materials creates a curated, intentional look.

Modern

Stainless steel + white ceramic + black accents

Warm

Wood + brass/gold + cream ceramics

Farmhouse

White ceramic + natural wood + galvanized metal

Key Items to Update

Soap Dispenser

$10-30

Ditch the plastic dish soap bottle. A glass or ceramic dispenser instantly elevates your sink area. Match to your faucet finish if possible.

Utensil Holder

$15-40

A crock or canister to hold cooking spoons and spatulas near the stove. Choose heavy ceramic that won't tip, or stainless for modern kitchens.

Cutting Boards

$20-60

Beautiful boards can double as decor. Wood boards add warmth; marble or composite boards add modern sophistication. Display one or two.

Paper Towel Holder

$15-35

Standing or wall-mounted. Match to other metal finishes in your kitchen (hardware, faucet, lighting).

Canisters / Jars

$20-50 for set

For flour, sugar, coffee, or just as decor. A matching set of 3 creates visual order. Glass shows contents; ceramic is cleaner-looking.

Styling Tips

  • Group in odd numbers: 3 items look better than 2 or 4
  • Vary heights: Create visual interest with tall, medium, short items
  • Leave breathing room: Don't crowd every inch of counter
  • Think triangles: Arrange items in triangular formations
  • Hide the ugly: Put frequently-used ugly items in drawers

Where to Shop

Budget-Friendly

  • • Target (Threshold line)
  • • IKEA
  • • Amazon Basics
  • • HomeGoods / TJ Maxx

Mid-Range to Higher

  • • Crate & Barrel
  • • West Elm
  • • Williams Sonoma
  • • Local kitchen stores